As we’ve seen this season, the show works quite well without Lewis. Sorry to say, I like it better without him. There are several great characters (Saul, Lockhart, Quinn), but any one of them could go, and the show could still carry on. But it wouldn’t be Homeland without Danes.

When the show is good (season one, first five episodes of season two, some spots in season four) it’s Danes. When the show is eh (second half of season two, the majority of season three) Patinkin seems like the only saving grace. When the show isn’t dependent on Crazy Carrie it helps both the series and Danes shine.

Lewis, even in season one, wasn’t on Danes’ level, though I don’t begrudge his win. Despite some awkwardness he was solid enough in the first season, and “Marine One” is one of the best submissions ever.

I voted for Lewis, because he deserves credit for creating a terrific character despite how annoying his family was. Danes is a worthy choice too, and I expect her to win this poll in a landslide.

You and I both! I loved his season 1 work – Marine One was incredible. Danes is so terribly good too in Season 1. I think he was amazing in Season 2 aswell, better than Danes even, he had a winning tape in Q&A, more so than Danes IMO.